Question on roundabout jackets

[wade]

I have a roundabout shell jacket without epaulets like a state jacket.
What information can you tell me about their use and time frame correctness etc.
Thanks.

[MarkTK36thIL]

Re: Question on roundabout jackets

SA jacket? Schuylkill Arsenal jackets were used in both theaters and popular out west. Photographic evidence shows them at least until 1863 and 1864.

[MarkTK36thIL]

Re: Question on roundabout jackets

Here's a link to a similar discussion.

http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/forum/showthread.php?32164-Schuylkill-Arsenal-infantry-jacket

[John of the Skulkers Mess]

Re: Question on roundabout jackets

How many buttons Wade?

[wade]

Re: Question on roundabout jackets

There are nine brass buttons

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: Question on roundabout jackets

Hallo!

US or CS?

I would assume US due to the use of "state jacket?"

Curt

[rmilstead]

Re: Question on roundabout jackets

Folks,
A number of pictures exist of a Union 9 button short jacket (shell jacket, roundabout, etc.) late in the war (1864) and at least one original has survived which was in the Troiani collection (see "Don Troiani's Regiments & Uniforms of the Civil War", pg. 124). These are interesting because 1.) they could be mistaken for so called Schuylkill Arsenal jackets and 2.) they are definitely not "state jackets." Based upon the fact that they appear to be worn by two regiments (at least) in the 6th Corps AOP by sergeants, corporals, and privates they seem to be somewhat generally issued. That is, while they could be private purchase the diversity of the units and consistency of individuals in those units wearing them may suggest they were QM issue. The original example is from the 5th Maine and is reputed to have been worn at the Upton Attack at Spotsylvania (10 May 1864) by 1st Sgt, Enoch Whittemore. Three other enlisted men from the 5th Maine (another 1st Sgt, a corpral, and a private) are pictured wearing such jackets in Bicknell's History of the Fifth Maine Volunteers . A number of what appear to be identical jackets are pictured in shots of members of the 93rd PA. I have attached pictures of the 5th Maine example and three 93rd PA pictures below. Note that the Veteran service stripes are present on jackets in several of the 93rd PA pictures suggesting they also date from 1864.
Perhaps someone else may have some information on these jackets but I do not believe that they are "one offs".

Dick Milstead
The Company of Military Historians.

[wade]

Re: Question on roundabout jackets

Thank you for all the info